So I realize I've already started this review off on a bad foot with the title, given that Cincinnatians apparently love Montgomery Inn ribs. I know I've already lost a lot of readers. That being said ... I think you really have to like a sweet sauce to like Montgomery BBQ, and to me, that's not BBQ. I think the taste of this sauce is strangely similar to the ""BBQ sauce"" that comes with Chicken McNuggets from McDonald's. I don't mean that sarcastically ... there really is a similarity. It's just an overwhelming sugary BBQ blast, with no subtlety of flavor. Ah well, allow me to move on ....
Other meals I've tried at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse have been pretty good. Items are fresh and cooked properly, garnished well.
Service is another matter. I feel like this is a complaint I express often ... is it just me, or are more and more restaurants simply giving up on quality service? Perhaps they're paying their employees less and therefore don't expect as much? Service at this restaurant has been consistently slow through the six or seven times I've visited (and that's probably all the visits there'll be). The servers seem to have an adversarial relationship with the customers; at best sullen, at worst openly annoyed.
If it wasn't for the beautiful view, and the fact that the food is usually good (when you get it), I'd give this restaurant one star. But please, if you really truly believe you know BBQ ... sample your fellow diners' BBQ before ordering your own.
more